Getting Overwhelmed

[ReefingBliss]

I am trying to plan out a large tank in my basement, still deciding on size. My issue is I know I want to be able to have all corals softies, LPS, and SPS eventually, but I am getting confused on what takes the place of what. Example you can use a 2 part dos system for Alk and CAL, or if your tank is x gallons you should get a calcium reactor. Anther example UV sterilizers do this but if you run a Zeovit system you don't want UV. So basically what take the place of what and what works against each other? Even if some one can point me to the place on here to do this research. Thanks!

 

[Reeferdood]

Welcome to the hobby!
Your question is a debatable one for sure so be prepared for a lot of different opinions. The demands of every system are different depending on which type of corals and critters you decide to have in your reef. A two part mix will do fine until a demand greater than what 2 part can keep up with then perhaps you might need to add a CaRx, or use Kalkwasser to the ATO to help. My guess is you will be fine in the beginning using a 2 part or Kalkwasser until your tank matures. Most premaid 2 parts can be costly you maybe look into BRS and see if that is a better fit. Personally, I just use Kalkwasser and nothing else after trying every other method out there. Don't forget to dose Magnesium either...
Hope this helps..

 

[ngoodermuth]

This is a tough one to answer with a single answer.... because I think a big part of your question will be determined on the goals YOU have for YOUR tank. I don't think it's so much as "You should use this vs. that"... as personal goals, what maintenance obligations you want to take on vs. what you want automated, and finally troubleshooting issues as they arise. It's one of those things where you sit there and say.... " Well, my tank is doing this... let me see what other's have done when their tank does this, and see which option sounds like something I could try..."

Best advice would be to start browsing member tank threads and see which tanks appeal to you most, in design and what corals and fish they are keeping, how much success they've had... etc. Then use those to develop a method or system that you could emulate on your own.

And when you run into the very specific decisions and you have questions or aren't sure... you will be able to do much more pointed research on that particular component of your tank. And ask questions

I generally try to keep things simple with my tanks, and go by "less is more". Nice big skimmer, fuge with a little live rock and chaeto, manual 2-part dosing, and regular weekly water changes (labor intensive, but I'm a control freak and don't trust automation as much) But, you will need to decide which style best suits your routine and tank goals long term.

It's a very multi-faceted hobby... and certainly more than one way to have a beautiful mixed reef. I wish you the best of luck!

 

[Mudder]

Welcome to R2R

First I would get your tank size narrowed down.I saw in another post your thinking something in the 200-300 gallon range

Their is no set guide lines though everyone has their preferred methods.from what I have seen as your tank matures it will also help you decide on what works best for your set up.
Don't let it frustrate you go slow and things will work out.

I have a 280 gallon DT 90 gallon sump and 75 gallon frag tank plumbed together.I did set up an area to put in a calcium reactor if needed but really didn't want to go that way.

I started out with BRS 2 part..been using ati essentials for about 14 months..but have not needed to change it.

I am no expert just my opinion..don't over complicate it

 

[WVNed]

I am going through this as well. I have ordered a 220 from Custom Aquariums and it is going in my basement. I have finally come down to running it exactly as I am my 75 gallon tank except with the addition of some dosers.

 

[Jekyl]

I love this hobby. So much personal swing can be added in every situation. In my mind that's what makes it great. One person will tell you that you need a calcium reactor and an Apex module. The next person says they do it by hand and use driveway ice melter to dose. Gotta love it lol.

 

[ReefingBliss]

Wow thanks everybody for the advice. @medder I have decided to up to a 72 length just deciding now between 36 or 30 deep so 240-280 gallons.
I know I eventually want to be able to do a complete mixed reef including LPS and SPS.

 

[Jekyl]

Keep in mind that once full you have to be able to reach the bottom. The deeper it is the more tools needed to get to those hard to reach spots

 

[Lukas75]

Welcome to R2R!! All I can say is that you can watch a ton of videos and still get confused as a veteran. Try to decide on a system and then run with it. Best of luck!

 

[ReefingBliss]

Keep in mind that once full you have to be able to reach the bottom. The deeper it is the more tools needed to get to those hard to reach spots

By deep I mean front to back for Height I am sold on 24" for that reason, someone might be able to talk me into 30 but that is as deep as I would ever go for that very reason.